Apollo Tyres Ltd, through its Vredestein premium tyre brand, has successfully hosted its latest ‘Soccer School’ day in Volendam, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Manchester United.
Held on 15 March at Kras Stadium, home of Eerste Divisie leaders FC Volendam, the event provided 25 children with an exclusive training session led by Manchester United coaches. The Manchester United Soccer School initiative supports grassroots football in countries around the world, with a particular focus on offering opportunities to children facing economic or physical challenges.
The Soccer School was organised in partnership with several local charities, including Geven en Nemen, which facilitates donations and redistribution of goods to those in need, and WonderBoyz, which provides support for children with mental and physical disabilities. FC Volendam’s amateur youth team, RKAV Volendam, also participated in the event, reinforcing the club’s commitment to youth development.
The selected participants, aged 7 to 18, came from a diverse range of backgrounds with limited access to sports facilities. The four-hour session offered high-quality football coaching to encourage a commitment to exercise, boost confidence and foster personal development.
Leading the training session was Manchester United legend Denis Irwin, one of the club’s most consistent and reliable defenders. Irwin, who won 19 major trophies with the club – including seven Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and the EFL Cup – was joined by a team of experienced club coaches from Manchester United.
In addition to the training session, participants were provided with photo and autograph opportunities with Irwin, as well as full Manchester United kits, certificates, medals and an on-site lunch. Following the Soccer School session, the children and their families were invited to attend FC Volendam’s home match against Cambuur.
“Football has the power to inspire and bring people together, and it’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm and talent of these young players today. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only sharing the love of the game but also giving every child the chance to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive environment,” said Irwin.
Paul Eidhof, Head of Cluster North West at Apollo Tyres, adds: “Apollo Tyres is committed to making a lasting impact in local communities, and partnering with Manchester United and FC Volendam allows us to provide meaningful opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to professional coaching. Community engagement is a core pillar of our global strategy, and we look forward to hosting more Soccer Schools in the future to continue making a positive difference.”
Apollo Tyres and Manchester United
Apollo Tyres has been the official Global Tyre Partner of Manchester United since 2018, expanding the partnership in 2020 to include its premium Vredestein tyre brand. Vredestein’s branding is prominently featured on pitch-side advertising boards at Manchester United home games, further strengthening the brand’s presence in European football.
The Soccer School programme is a key pillar of this partnership. The latest session in Volendam marks Apollo Tyres’ ninth Soccer School event with Manchester United, following successful sessions across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. Many of these events are conducted in partnership with youth charities, focusing on children’s education, housing and overall well-being.
To date, Manchester United Soccer Schools have welcomed over 500,000 participants from 90 countries around the world. These programmes provide professional coaching at all levels, from grassroots to national, while instilling core values such as teamwork, discipline, skill development and perseverance.
Source: Tyretradenews
